Blinds, Shades, or Shutters:  
Making the right Choice in Window Treatments.

You just bought and installed your new Windows from Hometown Contractors, Inc. Now you are left with making the choice on window treatments.  If you’re new to buying window coverings, you may not know where to begin. When searching for the right match for your windows it is often a matter of taste preference and affordability. The right window treatments such as Blinds, shades, and shutters, can make a world of difference in any room. They not only add an extra dimension of aesthetic appeal, but protect your privacy and allow you to block unwarranted light.  We, here at Hometown Contractors, Inc., are here to help you find the Blinds, shades, and shutters right for you and your home.    

But wait, which is the right window treatment?

How to Decide Between Blinds vs. Shades vs. Shutters.

To begin let’s take an in-depth look at each type of window treatments. A typical window blind is made up of several horizontal or vertical slats of various types of material, including wood, plastic or metal window coverings, which are held together by cords that run through the blind slats that allow them to open and close. Shades are another type of covering that can also be opened and closed; generally made out of a soft material. Shutters consist of a solid and durable window covering usually framed with solid panels, fabric, glass and almost any other item that can be mounted within a frame.  

Blinds

Blinds can come in a wide variety of designs and their vertical and horizontal slats are what best set them apart from the others. Blinds can be made from genuine wood, bamboo, vinyl, aluminum, and more. Sometimes blinds are compared to shades because of the louvers. It is important to note that shades are much different; blinds are hard window treatments and shades are soft window treatments. In addition, blinds can be pulled across a window to stack towards the sides, whereas shades are designed to operate on a continuous roll to cover a large swath of a window opening.

Shades

Shades are often regarded as a highly affordable option that is also quite stylish and functional.  Shades come in a large variety of fabric, designs and shapes. They can be purchased with a variety of colors, patterns, and textures to complement and feature the décor of any room. There are solar shades that block the sun without entirely blocking the view and even woven shades that allow small amounts of light to seep in to the room while still providing privacy. Shade designs have come a long way and many consumers opt for shades to suit their decorative scheme.

Shutters

Shutters are often the most luxurious option of the three, their custom designs are tailored to your windows and can actually add value to your home!  Interior shutters are typically divided into narrow units hinged accordion-style so that two or more units cover each side of a window opening when closed. Shutters come in an abundance of styles including Wood, Laminate, Metal, PVC, Polyvinyl chloride (vinyl surface) or Foam Synthetic. The slats of shutters can also be adjusted to let in light or none at all, providing complete privacy as well as style.

 Ultimately the homeowner’s taste and the style and size of room is the deciding factor when choosing window coverings.  If you still aren’t sure which style you like best, give us a call and schedule a free in home consultation with one of our experienced design consultants at Hometown Contractors, Inc. They will help you visualize how different options will work in your room.